The older adult who is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a sensory impairment and unstable blood sugar levels. Which of the following alterations in sensory function does the nurse address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar?

Choice A reason: Awakens with periodic left-foot numbness is an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it may indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve damage that affects the feet and legs, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. Peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. The nurse should educate the older adult about the importance of regular foot care, blood sugar control, and medication adherence.

Choice B reason: Enjoys spicy food more than bland food is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a personal preference that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should advise the older adult to limit the intake of salt, fat, and sugar, and to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs and preferences.

Choice C reason: Has difficulty hearing conversations in crowded rooms is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a common age-related change that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should assess the older adult's hearing ability and provide appropriate aids and strategies to enhance their communication and socialization.

Choice D reason: Requires reading glasses at 2.0 strength is not an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar, as it is a common age-related change that does not affect the blood glucose levels. However, the nurse should assess the older adult's vision and provide appropriate aids and strategies to improve their safety and quality of life.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is an alteration in sensory function that the nurse should address in the plan of care for stabilizing the blood sugar.

Choice A reason: Avoiding sick people and washing hands is the most important client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, as it can reduce the exposure to respiratory infections, which are the main cause of COPD exacerbations. The nurse would advise the older adult to stay away from people who have colds, flu, or other contagious illnesses, and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Choice B reason: Using low-flow oxygen for dyspnea is a possible client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it depends on the severity of the condition and the oxygen saturation level of the patient. The nurse would advise the older adult to use oxygen therapy as prescribed by their doctor, and to monitor their oxygen level with a pulse oximeter.

Choice C reason: Easing breathing by sitting upright is a helpful client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a supportive measure that does not address the underlying cause of the exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to sit upright or lean forward when they have difficulty breathing, and to use pursed-lip breathing or abdominal breathing techniques.

Choice D reason: Eating nutrient- and calorie-dense foods is a beneficial client teaching for the nurse to include for the prevention of hospitalizations for exacerbations of COPD, but it is not the most important one, as it is a long-term strategy that does not prevent the immediate risk of exacerbation. The nurse would advise the older adult to eat a balanced diet that provides enough protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and to avoid foods that can cause gas, bloating, or reflux.